General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Tennessee father and son dead after AR-15 goes off and ammunition-filled room explodes [View all]sarisataka
(22,378 posts)It is difficult, though not impossible for a rifle shot to start a fire. I have seen several started with tracer ammunition, but can't recall any with standard ammunition.
Ammunition does not explode when subjected to flame. It "pops" with less force than a firecracker.
Speculation: powder was improperly stored and was ignited by the shot. Its properties would allow a fire to rapidly grow, especially if it reached other open powder containers. The bright fire and smoke were disorienting enough to keep them from escaping.
The explosions are exaggerations of the ammo cook off or if truly explosions there was a store of primers, blackpowder or other volatile chemicals stored in the room.
It is sad that the father died on his son's birthday through an avoidable accident. It is tragic the son perished trying to help his father. It is sickening to see some of the opinions of 'liberals' and 'progressives' to the death of a 12 year old